Siliguri crackdown on mask-rule violators: 10 persons died in Siliguri

SNS, SILIGURI, 25 APRIL 21 : The administration in Siliguri and the police cracked down on people who violated Covid-19 guidelines, even as they launched a stricter enforcement of the same in the town today. Around 100 persons, including government employees and workers at sweet shops, were arrested during the day-long drive. The clampdown was launched especially against people roaming around without masks and in a hid to make people aware and check the spread of Covid -19 infections.

Siliguri Sub-Divisional Officer Priyadarshini S and Deputy Commissioner (Head Quarters) of the Siliguri Metropolitan Police, Joy Tudu, led the joint drive at various markets and crowded areas, including Bidhan Road, Mahabirsthan and the Tikia Para market.

The medical fraternity and voluntary organisations have flagged concerns about the situation and have said that a large section of the population in the town had been going about their daily lives without wearing masks.

According to officials, the crackdown was launched to enforce the practice of wearing masks. An awareness drive through the public announcement system and distribution of masks were also conducted simultaneously.

Ms Priyadarshini said the civil administration and police hit the streets for the enforcement of the Covid- 19 protocols, especially at crowded areas. The idea was to make people sport masks, she said.

According to Mr Tudu, specific cases had been filed under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act against those arrested. He said the drive will continue.

Meanwhile, 10 persons, who had tested positive for Covid-19, died in Siliguri in the past 24 hours, sources said. Three of them died at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH).

A 40-year-old resident of Sahudangi in Siliguri had been admitted in the NBMCH yesterday and he died there today. A 71-year-old woman from Jalpaiguri had been admitted there on 16 April, while another 58-year-old resident had been admitted there on 21 April. A 61-year old resident of Bagdogra also died in a private nursing home in Siliguri, sources said. A 56-year-old woman from Deshhandhu Para also died today, while another resident of Aurobindo Pally died in a private nursing home.

Three Covid patients from Kurseong region also died in different hospitals in Siliguri. While one of them who died yesterday was a 48-year-old resident of Dumaram Busty in Kurseong, a woman, aged around 60 and a resident of St Marys Hill in Kurseong died in a private nursing home this morning, sources said. A Catholic priest from Kurseong also died in another private hospital in Siliguri this afternoon.

One 80-year-old man from Phooptshering area also died in the Darjeeling District Hospital on last night.

Meanwhile, 203 new cases of Covid-19 were detected in Darjeeling district in the past 24 hours, sources said.